Le Tour Colombiaprobably the most prestigious Cycling race in Latin America, could soon disappear from the calendar UCI if his financial situation does not improve in the coming months. The budget for 2025 thus suddenly increased from €300,000 to €100,000 compared to that of 2024. In fact, the main financier of the race, the Colombian Ministry of Sports, would have considerably reduced its commitment according to the newspaper The Timewhich would greatly compromise the organization of the event. It had already been suspended due to COVID-19 from 2021 to 2023, but resumed this season in 2024, with a victory of Rodrigo Contreras. In four editions, renowned runners have participated such asEgan Bernal, Miguel Angel Lopez, Richard Carapaz, Mark Cavendish, Julian Alaphilippe or even Fernando Gaviria.
Video – The official presentation of the Tour Colombia 2020
“Without the Tour Colombia, Colombians can no longer compete with high-level cyclists”
The coach of the Colombian team GW Erco Shimano, Luis Celyreacted to this sad news: “Losing the opportunity to organize a race of this caliber in the country is terrible news. It is a competition with great teams and high-level cyclists. Without the Tour Colombia, Colombians can no longer compete against “Riders who don't have the opportunity to go to Europe can only compete against the best in the world at the Tour Colombia. For us, as a brand and a team, this race is very important.”.
Raul Mesateam coach NOT Colombiawarns that this cancellation could be very detrimental for young riders: “We specifically need to work on organizing races for U23 cyclists, and the Tour Colombia is a great option. You race in your own country against great riders. It gives young people the opportunity to fight and learn what means participating in such a competition If it does not take place, it affects us enormously. The Tour Colombia is fundamental for brands like ours and for many sponsors, because participating in a high-level race means visibility. .
